Euronews

There have been renewed clashes between riot police and opponents of President Vladimir Putin in Russia. It happened ahead of an unauthorised march in St Petersburg. Dozens of protesters were arrested, including liberal leader Boris Nemtsov, a candidate in next year presidential elections. He was later released.

It comes a day after disturbances in Moscow during which leading Kremlin critic Garry Kasparov was arrested. The former world chess champion was detained along with other members of his Other Russia group, a broad alliance of anti-Putin organisations. Authorities say Kasparov is being detained for five days on public order charges.

Today’s and yesterday’s events have been organised by Other Russia. It accuses Putin’s government of suppressing liberties and restricting media freedom. The unrest on Russian streets comes as the country prepares for a parliamentary election on December 2nd.